One rises by itself, the other you raise with your own effort.
Intransitive verb. To go up, move higher, or increase on its own. No direct object. Past tense: rose.
The sun rises at 6 a.m. in summer.
El sol sale a las 6 a.m. en verano.
Prices have risen sharply this year.
Los precios han subido bruscamente este año.
The balloon rose slowly into the sky.
El globo subió lentamente hacia el cielo.
Transitive verb. To lift, increase, or bring up something. Always requires a direct object. Past tense: raised.
The company raised its prices last month.
La empresa subió sus precios el mes pasado.
Please raise your hand if you have a question.
Por favor levanta la mano si tienes una pregunta.
They raised three children on their own.
Criaron a tres hijos por su cuenta.
Common mistake
Using 'raise' without an object or 'rise' with one. Wrong: "The government rises the prices." (correct: The government raises the prices.)
Trick to remember it
'Rise' = the subject acts on its own (the sun, prices, water). 'Raise' = someone lifts something (raises a hand, prices, children). Does something move another? Use 'raise'. Does it move itself? Use 'rise'.
Quick rule
Does the subject go up on its own? Use 'rise'. Does someone lift something (direct object present)? Use 'raise'.
Did you know?
In American English, 'raise a child' means to parent a child. In British English, 'bring up a child' is preferred. Both are correct but regional. In American English, 'raise' also applies to farm animals: 'raise cattle'.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
Please _____ your hand if you know the answer.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The temperature _____ by ten degrees during the afternoon.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Does the subject go up on its own? Use 'rise'. Does someone lift something (direct object present)? Use 'raise'.
Using 'raise' without an object or 'rise' with one. Wrong: "The government rises the prices." (correct: The government raises the prices.)
'Rise' = the subject acts on its own (the sun, prices, water). 'Raise' = someone lifts something (raises a hand, prices, children). Does something move another? Use 'raise'. Does it move itself? Use 'rise'.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy